The Amazing Longevity of Laysan Albatrosses

Kim Steutermann RogersFriday, March 8, 2013

These Laysan albatross chicks spent 65 days inside a calcium closure before pipping their way to freedom several weeks ago. And, now, if they are able to steer clear of the hooks belonging to long-line fisheries, to evade eager sharks swimming below the surface of the ocean and, more devastating, to resist ingesting plastic that can be mistaken for food, these three Laysan albatrosses just may live to be older than I am. In fact, old enough--if they'd been contributing--to collect social security benefits. The oldest known living wild bird happens to be a Laysan albatross, named Wisdom. She nests at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, the location of the largest Laysan albatross colony in the world.